(CNN) - He's making a high-profile trip to Iraq later this month with Barack Obama, but Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed says he has no desire to be the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate's running mate.

Reed, a graduate of West Point has been mentioned as a possible VP candidate given his foreign policy credentials and bipartisan respect on Capitol Hill, told the Associated Press Monday being Obama's running mate is a "position which I have no interest in."

Reed, a two-term senator who is currently in a relatively easy race for re-election, also said the Obama campaign has not asked him for any official documentation pertaining to its VP search process. It has been reported that the Illinois senator's campaign has officially approached at least two candidates so far - Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd.

"There are people that are spending a lot of time, one, looking for candidates, and trying to promote themselves as candidates," Reed also said. "And I'm in neither category."

Reed is little-known beyond his home state, though proponents trump his working-class upbringing, heroic stint in Vietnam, and longtime tenure on the powerful Armed Services Committee as reasons why he could be a valuable asset on the Democratic presidential ticket. On the other hand the Rhode Island senator has a low-key speaking style, comes from a region that is already firmly Democratic, and likely wouldn't embrace the attack-dog role usually required of presidential running mates.

Still, Reed's name received new buzz late last week after it was reported he, along with Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, would accompany Obama on an upcoming trip to Iraq. Hagel, an opponent of the Iraq war who has become increasingly critical of his own party, has said he would be open to serving as Obama's VP.

soundoff(376 Responses)

Well, one more WHITE Democrat Male [but not a racist!!] who can't see himself as being the backup to a 'BLACK' president!!
But of course, there is no racial divide!!

July 14, 2008 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

SUE, Michigan

And where is the story about the impeachment of George Bush? Pelosi has put it back "on the table" where it belongs, but the story is no where to be found. Come on, CNN, do your job!

July 14, 2008 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

lilahenna

OBAMA AND DON KING PLEASE ONLY IN AMERICA DON KING

July 14, 2008 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

Lisa

John Mc Bush admits that he doesn't know how to use a computer , he is learning how to get on-line????!!!!! Who the heck wants a President that doesn't even know how to use a computer. He is not able to work a computer how would he run an entire country. Mc Cain doesn't know that Czechlosvakia is no longer a country. This man would NEVER be my President and anyone who votes for him is as dumb as he is. Barack will wipe the floor up with him in a debate so Mc Bush supporters better hope he doesn't debate with him. Mc Bush will embarace their party.

July 14, 2008 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

KJ

Whew. What a relief. Reed is SO wimpy. Obama is wimpy enough on his own.

We need a tough, experienced leader like Hillary Clinton to be the Presidential nominee. Hillary has already won the popular vote, winning MORE votes than ANY candidate of ANY party in history! It's NOT too late, the DNC convention isn't even taking place until late August in Denver. The DNC needs to have an open convention allowing Hillary and Obama to have their names placed in nomination, speeches made, ballots open, votes taken, and all votes counted (gasp) THIS would be real democracy in action. Isn't that what it's supposed to be about? Let's demand it! Great ratings guaranteed for CNN and all media!

July 14, 2008 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Len

No wants to be part of obama terror inc.

July 14, 2008 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |

Sheri

Anybody but Hillary. TOO MUCH BAGGAGE

July 14, 2008 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |

obam-wright

I'm an idiot so don't listen to me because I don't know what I'm talking about. Neither does Mc Bush, Mc Warmonger

July 14, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

william

He was never a candidate anyway. So why so much fuss. Just shows the ignorance of all of you that don't understand politics.

July 14, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

Female

Whatever, Obama hasn't even approached him. That's what they all say, just like Edwards before he said he didn't want it, and now he's open to it.

July 14, 2008 10:18 pm at 10:18 pm |

Love Huckabee

If Hillary is on the ticket, I'll vote independent. Or not at all...Hillary is a untrustworthy skank!

July 14, 2008 10:20 pm at 10:20 pm |

brent

you people make me sad for the future of this country. electing McCain would be like another bush term....... Why, yes please i'd like an endless Iraq War, higher oil prices, hatred of americans abroad and a stronger Taliban. Instead of disliking someone who is a new, different breed of president, why don't you all go get a college education? or maybe even high school?

July 14, 2008 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

anne white

Will the messiah have to ask JUDAS??????

July 14, 2008 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

linda from South Dakota

be very careful pickin a VP,,,,,,even tho , times short,,, sometimes its better to check em out good and see if they are worthy of the title than to pick one so soon,,,,obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!08

July 14, 2008 10:24 pm at 10:24 pm |

WISDOM

To KE,

Why can't you shoot straight? I'd respect that if you say that you're a racist. So you wouldn't vote for Obama, no matter how bad McCain is. Don't make any stupid excuse for not voting Obama just because you're a plain racist. I admit that I'm a racist too. I hate some red necks, members of KKK and skin heads. These people I hate are mostly whites, but I still voted four white person for the president of the United States of America for which I love to be a citizen of. I pray to God, in some day, everybody could get along in harmony and peace. Just like the "I have a dream..." speech made by Dr. M. R. King, in someday, we will all get along with a lots of love. So let's just hope that day to come. Until then, you do whatever you think is right thing for you and your country. That's your choice, just like I made my choice to support Mr. Obama and I believe he can bring this country together a lot faster and better than a old John McCain. I'm supporting Mr. Obama for my kids and grand kids generation so that they don't have to face these ugly problems we are facing. God bless you all!

July 14, 2008 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |

Common

How can you say no when you aren't even asked? Is the media going to ask every senator and governor who speaks to Obama whether they want to be his running mate? What a joke

July 14, 2008 10:39 pm at 10:39 pm |

Belle

Calling Democrats that will vote McCain traitors is similar to the SAME arm twisting tactics like DENYING the right for people to vote. It is a hate tactic. Did you learn this from Senator Obama? Is his campaign really geared to just divide? I thought he was the great uniter! That is what you say, but your comments are NOT geared to unite! There are all kinds of folks that make up the United States, Democrats, Republicans, Green Party, Independents...over 100 different languages are spoken here, and who knows how many religions....a president is for ALL of the people supposedly...Seems like Senator Obama is for himself.

He is not vetted, but he sure is inventing a LOT of side issues, speeches, so he does NOT have to address anything.

I am sick of this entire process, and especially sick of Obama.

July 14, 2008 10:40 pm at 10:40 pm |

Mai

No moderate Democrat wants to VP for Obama since Obama is more Socialist than Democrat. Please, please bring back our moderate Democratic Party.

July 14, 2008 10:40 pm at 10:40 pm |

Puma-SF

Why would anyone want to be on a losing ticket? Anyone who still supports Obama has to have junk for brains.

Puma Power join the movement to bring democracy back to the Democratic Party.

July 14, 2008 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm |

Tom in ATL

Who cares about these liberal, left-wing, elitists??? If Obama gets nominated we'll all have to face the agony of watching our entire beautiful nation turn into Berkeley, CA.

McCain/Jindal '08 for USEFUL CHANGE!!!!

July 14, 2008 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm |

JAKK CLARKE

The dems that are wanting Barack to pick Hillary, this post is for you....
Hillary is from another time and another place.... We are the future of American Politics. I have college friends who are republican, i a DeM.... We are so tired of this party bs. We are tired of those who feel they are above the law, we are tired of those ole style politics... We laugh at our elders as they bicker of the small stuff. REV. Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton (the only white man in the black Hall of Fame here in arkansas) And hillary clinton all have lost a considerable amount of our respect. and I thought that we were all on the same team... I pray that Hillary will not be selected for VP... and if she does i fear for the safty of Mr. Obama and his family. I would still vote for him if she is choosen but i hope not. She is a fraud and will say or do anything for power!

HE DIE WE DIE
.... OBAMA 08 YOU dont want it!

July 14, 2008 10:47 pm at 10:47 pm |

Mark

Newsflash people, the choice has been made already....it will be one of two people, Kathleen Sebilius, or Hillary Clinton, the rest need not apply.

July 14, 2008 10:51 pm at 10:51 pm |

Wisconsin MCWAR CAN STICK MY FLAG PIN

Bias

So CNN runs this but skips this:

McCain has repeatedly claimed that Obama would raise tax rates for 23 million small-business owners. It's a false and preposterously inflated figure.

July 14, 2008 10:51 pm at 10:51 pm |

Tim

I think it should be Hagel, Republican or Democrat doesn't matter, it is who has a good head on their shoulders. Both Hagel and Obama have demonstrated great judgement.